TB CAN BE PREVENTED; STOP IT IN YOUR LIFETIME

Mon March 11, 2013

DUPAGE COUNTY-World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is March 24 and the DuPage County Health Department encourages people to be screened for TB if they are in high-risk groups or if they provide services to people who are in high-risk groups.

Although TB is both preventable and curable, each year nearly two million people die of the disease. The bacteria can attack any part of your body, but usually the lungs. The number of TB cases has been declining in recent years, but the Health Department reminds residents that the fight against tuberculosis is not over.

High-risk groups include: Those who have had close contact with persons known or suspected of having TB.

Foreign-born persons where TB has a high prevalence, such as countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America and Eastern Europe. Or individuals who travel to those areas.

Those recently infected with TB, or who have a history of inadequate TB treatment. Those who have HIV infection or another condition that suppresses the immune system and therefore puts them at high risk for TB if exposed.

Health care workers who serve high-risk clients such as those mentioned above.